Bangladesh is witnessing a horrifying situation as the nation is engulfed in violent protests against the government’s 30% job quota for descendants of freedom fighters. In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5th and fled the country. This follows over a month of deadly protests that have claimed the lives of at least 300 people. The unrest has sparked widespread concern and confusion, prompting questions about the causes and potential consequences of this escalating crisis.
The protests began in July with students taking to the streets to demonstrate against the controversial quota system. This system, implemented following a High Court order, allocates government jobs based on the quota for descendants of freedom fighters. The protests gained momentum as agitated students, many of whom are unemployed or lack access to education, demanded the removal of the 30% reservation quota, deeming it discriminatory and unfair.
The protests took a violent turn on July 16th when student protesters clashed with security officials and pro-government activists. This resulted in a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order being imposed, along with the shutdown of internet and mobile data services.
Despite the escalating situation, former Prime Minister Hasina’s refusal to meet the students’ demands, citing ongoing court proceedings, only fueled the flames of unrest. Her comments labeling those opposing the job quotas as ‘Razakars,’ individuals who collaborated with the Pakistani army during the 1971 war of independence, further enraged protesters. Thousands of students left their dormitories at Dhaka University in protest, adding to the growing unrest.
In an attempt to quell the protests and control the escalating violence, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh intervened and scaled back the controversial quota system. The quota was reduced from 30% to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated based on merit. The remaining 2% was reserved for members of ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities. While the government accepted this decision and restored internet access, it was not enough to pacify the enraged students.
Further fueling the unrest, former PM Hasina labeled the protesting students as ‘terrorists’ and urged the people to ‘suppress them with a firm hand.’ This incensed the protesters, prompting them to demand the resignation of Hasina and her entire Cabinet.
Sunday, August 4th, witnessed the deadliest day of the protests. Demonstrators attacked a major public hospital in Dhaka, torched several vehicles, and set fire to offices belonging to the ruling party. Videos surfaced showing police firing on the crowds with bullets, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
Hasina’s Awami League party attributed the demand for her resignation to the influence of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party, blaming them for inciting the violence. Despite these claims, the protests continued, claiming the lives of at least 95 people on Sunday. Schools and universities have remained closed since last month due to the ongoing unrest.
On Monday, August 5th, reports emerged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had resigned and fled the country. Thousands of protesters stormed her residence, while millions celebrated her departure on the streets.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief of Bangladesh, announced in a broadcast that Hasina had resigned and that the military would form an interim government. Media reports suggest that the Bangladesh military aircraft carrying former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landed at Hindon airbase in Delhi around 5:39 pm. The reports further indicate that she is likely to travel to the United Kingdom.
The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh has raised serious concerns about the future of the country. The protests, fueled by deep-seated grievances over inequality and discrimination, have highlighted the fragility of the nation’s political landscape. The military’s intervention and the uncertain future of the country remain a matter of great concern, demanding immediate attention and a peaceful resolution.
